RainbOs are Growing and Want to Hear from Orient Fans

The relaunch is set to begin in earnest after RainbOs’ annual general meeting on Sept. 9, where a new committee will be elected, but the group is soliciting feedback and ideas in a survey aimed at members and non-members alike, whether LGBTQ+ or allies. The survey, which is open until Aug. 7th, delves into fans’ matchday experience and RainbOs’ activities and campaigns.

“We want to broaden the information we have about LGBTQ+ fans experience,” strategy lead Nicky Chapman said. “Not every LGBTQ+ fan will be in the group, and we also want to find out what our allies think of the group and the club’s attitude to inclusion. Once the data is collected and discussed we hope to incorporate these opinions into our action plan on how we want to expand the group.”

Last season, despite Orient’s on-pitch results, was a positive one for RainbOs and its relationship with the football club, she added. Members were invited to be flagbearers and take photos with O’s manager Richie Wellens at the dedicated Football vs Homophobia match on Feb. 28th.

Communications lead David Lloyd also interviewed O’s assistant coach and club RainbOs ambassador Darren Pratley about his playing career, his support for LGBTQ+ issues, and how football as a whole is managing inclusivity, in a feature that was posted on Leyton Orient’s website.

The group also honoured Orient club development officer April Smith as the recipient of the 2026 RainbOs Award at the Leyton Orient Supporters Club’s Starman Awards in May.

RainbOs have regular pre- and post-match meetups, participate in various local football tournaments, march in the London Pride parade, and serve up the bants on a WhatsApp group.

“As a group we have established a tight knit community of fans and continue to develop our relationship with the club,” Lloyd said. “Last season included major highlights, such as how helpful the club were during the FvH campaign where I got to interview the nicest man in football, Darren Pratley. Our wishes and aims for the future include further improvements in staff training on LGBTQ+ matters, firm action on discriminatory chants, and we of course welcome any opportunities to work together on special events within the local community.

Building ties with Orient’s women’s team is also a focus for this season, Chapman added.

RainbOs will be looking for fresh leadership on the committee at the AGM, particularly with Alan Murrell, who led the group’s founding and has served as chair since the start, stepping away from his position. In an email to the committee, he said his role on the Museum of Military Heritage Committee in Gosport was expanding and would take more of his time, but that he would remain engaged with RainbOs as it relaunches.

“It is the right moment to step aside and allow someone else to guide the group into our fifth year and beyond,” he wrote. “I take great pride in what we have achieved together—from that initial meeting in March 2022 to now, as we approach our fourth birthday.”

Chapman praised Murrell for his leadership and efforts on behalf of RainbOs, including representing the group with Pride in Football, the alliance of UK LGBTQ+ fan groups, and with the Football Supporters Association.

“Since the inception of the group, Alan has worked hard to promote constructive links with both the club and other LGBTQ+ football organisations and supporters groups,” Chapman said. “We are very sad to see him leave but wish to put on record our thanks for all his hard work."

Disclosure: The writer of this piece serves on the RainbOs committee as its newsletter editor.